Not just anyone can be from Bordeaux. If you haven’t passed the test of fire by tasting each of these 10 typical specialties at least once in your life, you’re not legally entitled to the Bordeaux origin. To get it, we’ve put together a list of must-try dishes and (above all) where to find them.
1. The canelé
This coppery sweetness perfumes the city of Gironde. More than a simple dish, it’s a symbol. Originally made in Bordeaux by nuns, the recipe for canelé continued until the 19th century, when it was adopted by all Bordeaux pastry shops. So, do you prefer the La Toque Cuivrée team or the Baillardran team?
📍LaToque Cuivrée or Baillardran
2. Oysters from the basin
If you’ve never tasted oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, you can’t claim to be from Bordeaux, and you know it. Hollow, plump… In the region, it’s eaten with shallot vinegar and crépinette, a small flat sausage that’s also a must.
📍ChezJean-Mi – Capucins covered market or Quai des Chartrons market.
3. The white dunes
Like one of Proust’s Madeleines, the white dune has the power to tele-transport us to Cap-Ferret in a single bite. In fact, this chouquette filled with a creamy filling and dusted with powdered sugar is a delight for tourists visiting Cape Town, as well as well-informed Bordelais.
📍ChezPascal – 7Rue de la Vieille Tour, 33000 Bordeaux
4. Lamprey à la bordelaise
The lamprey a dish you either love or hate. Indeed, its taste is as intense as it is distinctive. This is the only fish that is bled alive. Its blood is mixed with red wine to make a sauce (à la bordelaise) and is often served with garlic croutons and red wine.
📍Brasseriele Noaille – 12 Allées de Tourny, 33000, Bordeaux
5. Entrecôte bordelaise
You could say that it’s hard to enjoy life in Bordeaux if you’re a vegetarian, because, in essence, the Bordelais is a meat-eater. In fact, he wouldn’t say no to a good entrecôte with Bazas beef, cooked on vine shoots, accompanied by a red wine sauce and potatoes from Eysines, if you please.
📍LePalatium – 22 Cours Pasteur, 33000 Bordeaux
6. The tricandilla
A speciality of the Médoc region, tripe is grilled on vines or vine shoots and seasoned with pepper, salt, garlic and parsley. We serve it as an aperitif. Not very tasty, this recipe is nevertheless considered one of the most exquisite dishes for those who appreciate its intense flavor.
📍LaTupina, 6 Rue Prte de la Monnaie, 33800 Bordeaux
7. Le gratton de Lormont
Another unappetizing yet delicious specialty! This terrine of fresh ham and spices is a veritable institution. It has also made the reputation of charcuterie Gaudin (Lormont). For the record, its name comes from its long cooking time, which requires regular scraping of the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
📍BoucherieRibeiro – Marché des Capucins, 33000, Bordeaux
8. The wells of love
We’re all in love with this little chou filled with caramelized Chiboust custard and topped with an Italian meringue. Originally from Captieux, puits d’ amour have been making a name for themselves in the Gironde town since 1944, thanks to the pastry chefs at Maison Seguin, whose deft touch really makes a difference!
📍MaisonSeguin – Chartrons ou Caudéran, 33000 Bordeaux
9. Saint-Émilion macaroons
Macaroons yes, but those of Saint-Émilion! We already know the region for its wine, but the macaroons are delicious too! The traditional recipe originated with the Ursuline nuns in the 18th century. What’s the difference with La Durée? They’re flat, slightly cracked, and unstuffed to give the almonds plenty of room.
📍 Souvenirs et Gourmandises, 7 Pl. de I’Eglise Monolithe, 33330 Saint-Émilion
10. Le Lillet
We finish with a drink. And not the least. The Bretons have their cider, the Marseillais their pastis, and the Bordelais their lillet. A cross between Gin Tonic and Aperol, it combines the sweetness of wine with the bitterness of fruit. White, red or rosé, what color will your Lillet be?
📍MamaShelter, 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000, Bordeaux